Structural unit



May 1, 1928. 1,667,834

D. H. BITNEY STRUCTURAL UNIT Filed Feb. 14. 1927 INVENTOR flewey /7.5/7/76 A T TORNEVS .iatented May 1, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DEWEY H. IBITNEY, OF ALBION, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO UNION STEEL PRODUCTSCOMPANY, OF ALBION, MICHIGAN.

STRUCTURAL UNIT.

Application filed February 14, 1927. Serial No. 167,993.

The main objects of this invention are,

First, to provide a concrete reinforcing structural unit for beams,joists and the like, which is well adapted to withstand the variousstrains to which such elements of concrete are subjected.

Second, to provide an improved structural unit which constitutes acombined reinforce chair and stirrup, and which is adapted for use in agreat variety of relations.

Objects relating to details and economies of construction and operationwill appear from the detailed description to follow. The invention isdefined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure which is a preferred embodiment of m invention isillustrated in the accompanying drawing forming, a part of thisapplication, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective View of a structural unit embodyingthe features of my invention. 0

Fig. 2 is an end elevation, the reinforcing bars being indicated bydotted lines as rest ing upon or supported by the unit.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective View of a modified form of myinvention.

Referring to the. drawing, my improved structural unit comprises aplurality of bail shaped stirrup elements 1 arranged in upright positionwith their top and bottom arms 2 and 3 projecting laterally. In thepreferred embodiment, the arms of alternate stirrup elements aredisposed in opposite directions. These stirrup elements are fixedlysecured in upright spaced relation by means of the longitudinal rods 4to which the uprights of the stirrup elements are welded.

Certain'of the stirrup elements are provided with inverted U-shaped legmembers 5, the horizontal portions of which are welded to the uprightportions of the stirrup elements, one of the legs 6 being welded to thearm 3 of the stirrup element to which it is secured. These leg membersconstitute form spacing means for theminate in legs 10, the arms 9having bends {)hcrein forming seats 11 for the reinforcing ars.

In practice these reinforce units are made in substantial lengths, to becut off as desired for short lengths. Of course they may be made ofspecified lengths and the spacing varied according to differentspecifications.

My improved structural unit is highly desirable in that the stirrupelements are positioned, spaced and supported so that it does not dependupon the skill or care of the workman in positioning the same. They areproperly spaced from the form and also properly located with respect tothe reinforcing bars; and conversely, the reinforcing bars are properlylocated with respect to the stirrups. Structures embodying myimprovement are economical to produce and very conveniently handled inuse.

' Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is: I

1. A structural unit comprising a plurality of bail-shaped stirrupelements disposed facing laterally with alternate elements facing inopposite directions, longitudinal rods fixedly secured to the uprightportions of said elements in vertically spaced relation, supporting thestirrup in upright relatively fixed relation, and inverted U-shaped legmembers secured to the uprights and bottom arms of certain of saidstirrup elements, said leg members constituting reinforce bar supports.

2. A structural unit comprising a plurality of vertically disposed,stirrup elements having horizontal arms at'the upper and lower endsthereof, said stirrup elements being disposed facing laterally and apart facing in opposite directions, longitudinal rods to which saidstirrup elements are secured in spaced relation, and inverted U-shapedreinforce supporting chairs secured to the uprights and lower arms ofcertain of said stirrup elements, whereby the stirrup elements areprovided with supporting and form spacing means.

3. A-structural unit comprising a plurality of upright stirrup elementshaving horizontally-disposed laterall projecting arms at their ends, thearms 0 adjacent stirrup elements projectin in opposite directions, andlongitudinalro s to which said stirrup elements are fixedly securedwhereby the stirrup elements are supported in relatively fixed spacerelation, certain of said stirrup elements being provided withsupporting le 5.

i. A structural unit comprising a plurality of bail-shaped stirrupelements disposed facing laterally, a plurality of longitudinal rodsfixedly secured to said elements for supporting them in relatively fixedupright relation, and inverted U-shaped leg members secured to saidspaced stirrup elements, said leg members constituting reinforce barsupports and being conformed to provide bar positioning seats.

5. A structural unit comprising a plurality of bail-shaped stirrupelements disposed facing laterally, and longitudinal rods for supportingsaid stirrup elements in upright relation said stirrup elements beingdisposed with their arms horizontally and transversely relative to saidlongitudinal rods, a part at least of said stirrup elements beingprovided with form-spacing legs.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

DEWEY H. BITNEY.

